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Thursday, 3 May 2018

What All Truckers Need To Know About IRS Form 2290

IRS Form 2290 season is officially here! So to help get you ready here at the ten things truckers need to know about IRS Form 2290.

Time and time again truckers filing their 2290 online tend to ask the same questions and make the same mistakes when it comes to their heavy vehicle use taxes. So let’s go over them, so they are fresh in your mind when you pre-file or e-file later this year.

1. Is my vehicle subject to the HVUT/Form 2290?

You are subject to HVUT/Form 2290 if you are registering a vehicle in your name as an owner-operator or self-employed driver, it weighs more than 55,000 pounds, and you are using it on public roads. The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax applies to both interstate and intrastate drivers.

2. If I am based in Canada or Mexico, does the HVUT apply?

Yes, if you drive your vehicle in the United States. You will need to file a 2290 Form 2018 and pay any owed taxes. You will also need to carry proof of tax compliance when entering the U.S. as well.

3. When is Form 2290 due in 2018?

IRS Form 2290 returns are due on the last day of the month following your vehicle’s first month of use during the reporting period. That means if your vehicle was on the road last July (2017) the deadline for filing is August 31, 2018.

If your vehicle goes into service during the reporting period, you will need to file an additional Form 2290, Schedule 1, and pay the tax amount. For example, if you purchased a vehicle in November 2018, you are required to put the vehicle in your name making its first month of use December. In this case, you will need to file an additional Form 2290, Schedule 1, and pay owed taxes on or before December 31, 2019. This is a partial year filing and will be a reduced tax amount.

4. Can I suspend my Heavy Vehicle Use Tax?

You can apply for a suspension of the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax if you expect to drive your vehicle less than 5,000 miles during the year (7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles).

However, you are still required to file IRS Form 2290 even though you do not have a tax payment. If you do end up driving more than expected, you must file an amendment to your original 2290 and pay taxes.

5. Am I required to file my 2290 Form online?

Only if you have 25 or more qualified vehicles. If you do, the IRS does not require you to file 2290 online. However, the IRS highly encourages all taxpayers to file and pay online with an IRS-authorized e-file provider, like our sister product ExpressTruckTax.

6. How can I claim a credit?

Now is the time for you to claim any credits you earned last year. The credits can be claimed using a couple of different methods.

If you ended up driving your vehicle less than 5,00 miles (or 7,500 for agricultural vehicles) you can claim a credit. Or if your vehicle was stolen or destroyed last year, you can claim a credit. For more information, I would visit the IRS website for the full list of situations.

7. Can I claim a refund on my IRS Form 2290?

Yes, if your credit exceeds your taxes owed on your 2018-2019 filing, you will need to file a refund. This can be done by filing IRS Form 8849, Claim for Refund Excise Taxes.

8. What do I need to register my vehicle?

Proof of your HVUT payment is required before you register your vehicles. You will not be registered unless you can provide your stamped Schedule 1.

9. How do I pay 2990 online?

You can pay via the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by check/money order.

10. Where can I find more information about IRS Form 2290?

You can check out our blog page for more information concerning pre-filing and the upcoming 2290 season. Or you can find more information via the IRS publication “Instructions for Form 2290.”

We Got Your Back

We understand that we are coming up on a very stressful time for the trucking industry, but we will be there every step of the way. We will continue to supply you with up-to-date information about the IRS Form 2290 deadline.

If you have any questions about e-filing your 2290 or calculating your totals please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated TruckLogics support team. We’re available over the phone Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM EST at 704.234.6946. We also offer live chat and 24/7 email support at support@trucklogics.com.

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